The Natick Comets House League is an instructional program designed to build on hockey skills developed in the Learn to Play (Skills Development) program and to prepare skaters for the Natick Comets Travel Teams. The program runs from November through April on a set, weekly schedule. It allows players of different ages (6 to 12) and abilities to participate in skill development sessions and supervised cross-ice hockey games. The House League program introduces skaters to recreational hockey games while continuing to develop their fundamental hockey skills. The program also exposes the skaters to the position of goalie with plenty of opportunity for every player spend some time in net. (Goalie equipment is provided). Each weekend will include a practice/skills session on Saturday and a game on Sunday. Practices typically include four or more stations developed from USA Hockey, age-appropriate drills. More stations (dependent on coach availability – see below for info) helps limit group sizes and increases time spent skating. For Sunday games, the ice is sectioned off down the center line to allow for two separate games. These small ice games help to maximize puck contact, stimulate quick thinking, and foster teamwork. With four teams per house, the program limits time on the bench between shifts yielding plenty of ice time for each player.

The first weekend of the program is structured to evaluate the skill levels of the players and to create balanced teams. Both days are comprised of drills and small area games (e.g. 3on3 in one end of the ice). Following the first weekend, players will be assigned to a team, and they will receive a jersey and socks before their Saturday session the following weekend (second weekend of the program). In some cases, players with more ability will be shifted into the second hour. (Parents are always consulted before making any shifts.)

Director of House League: Chris Boyer

HOUSE LEAGUE INFORMATION AND SCHEDULE - 2018-2019 SEASON

DATES AND TIMES

The House League Program runs from Saturday, November 10, 2018 to Sunday, March 31, 2019. Weekend ice times are Saturdays at 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM and Sundays at 3:30 PM and 4:40 PM.

For the first weekend of evaluations, the Saturday 7:00 AM and the Sunday 3:30 PM hours are for the skaters ages 8 and younger. The Saturday 8:00 AM and Sunday 4:40 PM hours are for the skaters ages 9 and older. The Director and Coaching Team will consult with parents if they would like to shift any players from the first hour (8 and under) to the second hour.

IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT HOUSE LEAGUE SESSION EXCEPTIONS

There are no house league sessions on the following dates due to competing Comets’ ice requirements:

IMPORTANT: Skaters are required to wear hockey gloves, elbow pads, shoulder pads, athletic cup/pelvic protector, shin pads, hockey pants, and hockey helmet with cage or face shield and a mouth guard. Figure skates are not allowed. Players must also have a hockey stick. A neck guard is optional but highly recommended. Players that do not have all required equipment will not be allowed on the ice.

COACHES NEEDED

The House League Program is always in need of dedicated coaches to help make the practices and games seamless. We encourage parents to join their players on the ice--even if you didn't play organized hockey. There is no shortage of work: from intricate skating and stick-handling drills down to moving equipment and groups around the ice. Over the years, the Learn to Play (Skills Development) and House League have been the feeder programs for the Natick Comets Travel Hockey Teams. For House League, the Director will assign two Head Coaches for each hour that will develop practice plans for each Saturday practice session, assign coaches to stations, and manage the ice. Coaches will run drills, offer encouragement, and generally foster FUN for the beginning players. All responsibilities are great preparation for moving onto a Travel Team as your child progresses through the Comets’ program. Please contact Chris Boyer if you are interested in coaching at
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Coaching Requirements

Coaches need to obtain their own USA Hockey number from the USA Hockey web site http://www.usahockey.com The cost will be reimbursed by the Comets. You will also need to complete the three online forms located under the Online Forms section of this website. Additionally, you will need to download the CORI form, complete it, provide a copy of your driver’s license, and email it to the registrar at
or drop it in the mailbox in the lobby of the rink. Please ensure that you write “House League” at the top of the CORI form. Please note: the CORI needs to be completed regardless of whether you have completed one for another program/school in the area. Once you finish these requirements, please email Chris Boyer at
for additional information. (The whole process takes 15-30 minutes). Coaches need hockey skates, hockey gloves, a hockey helmet, and a stick.

Student Coach Policy

For the 2018-2019 season, the Comets welcome High School aged players to assist in coaching. There will be no coaches below the High School level permitted at ANY TIME. Please download the USA Hockey Student Coach form and email it to Chris Boyer at
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